The 10 Best Vehicles of 2026 According to Consumer Reports
In addition to The Car Guide’s many reviews and Best Buys, shoppers in the market for a new vehicle should turn to other trusted sources to make the right choice. One of them includes U.S. magazine Consumer Reports, which has just released its list of the 10 best models for 2026 following an evaluation of more than 260 contenders.
Owner satisfaction, safety, fuel consumption, predicted reliability and road-test performance were among the selection criteria.
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For the first time, the top 10 consists exclusively of vehicles offering a hybrid or electric variant. Consumer Reports notes that all versions of the Honda Civic are excellent choices (base Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic Si) and that the Ford F-150 has improved enough in terms of reliability to become the first full-size pickup in years to rank among the best vehicles overall.
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Small Cars – Honda Civic
Consumer Reports score: 78 (Civic Hybrid), 72 (Civic)
Comments: “The Honda Civic has all the qualities we love about the gas-only car, including quick, responsive steering, a comfortable ride, and a roomy interior. But the Civic Hybrid is the best version, and more than the sum of its test results. It’s as impressive for its refined power delivery and rewarding driving experience as it is for being refreshingly entertaining on twisty roads.”
Midsize Cars – Toyota Camry
Consumer Reports score: 88
Comments: “The Camry earns a chef’s kiss from our experts: It’s a successful recipe that Toyota has honed even closer to perfection this year. It delivers a pleasing balance of ride comfort and capable handling, practical interior space and user-friendly controls. Every trim is available with all-wheel drive, broadening its already wide appeal. The cherry on top? The Camry’s reliability score is stronger than last year’s model’s.”
Subcompact SUVs – Subaru Crosstrek
Consumer Reports score: 83
Comments: “Every gas-only trim now has a 180-hp, 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission and AWD. The Crosstrek handles well, with quick steering and minimal roll through turns, but it’s the ride quality that’s most noteworthy. It absorbs road imperfections better than many cars, and it’s comfortable even during off-pavement excursions. Its added ground clearance makes getting in and out a cinch.”
Learn more about the Crosstrek.
Compact SUVs – Subaru Forester
Consumer Reports score: 88 (Forester Hybrid), 86 (Forester)
Comments: “Last year, the Forester claimed a spot due to its good all-around performance and reliability scores. We also loved the easy access in and out, great visibility, comfortable ride, good safety credentials and spacious interior. This year, the Forester adds to those virtues a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain while retaining a mechanical, full-time AWD system.”
Learn more about the Forester.
Midsize SUVs – Toyota Grand Highlander
Consumer Reports score: 88 (Grand Highlander Hybrid), 79 (Grand Highlander)
Comments: “It’s rare to find a three-row SUV that’s roomy enough to accommodate an adult in every seat and still have space for cargo. The Grand Highlander is that SUV, which makes it a near-perfect people mover. When outfitted with 18-inch tires, it’s also unusually smooth to drive. But the Toyota’s real advantage is its optional 245-hp hybrid powertrain, which matches the standard turbo engine’s acceleration while returning a stunning fuel economy.”
Learn more about the Grand Highlander.
Compact Luxury SUVs – Lexus NX
Consumer Reports score: 85 (NX Hybrid), 81 (NX)
Comments: “This repeat Top Pick combines elegance, efficiency and reliability. Yes, the cabin is fairly compact, but it doesn’t feel crowded, and it’s equipped with soft surfaces and controls with a solid, high-quality feel. The front seats are especially plush and supportive. The turbocharged four-cylinder in the gas-only NX has real pep. The hybrid version is even more refined.”
Midsize Luxury SUVs – BMW X5
Consumer Reports score: 92 (X5), 84 (X5 Plug-in Hybrid)
Comments: “It’s a premium, well-rounded vehicle that feels special even before you put it into gear. The cabin is dressed in leather, wood, chrome, and soft surfaces, and the supportive seats are perfectly sculpted for daylong road trips. The gas-only X5 is both powerful and efficient, with acceleration that rivals a sports sedan and fuel economy that is among the best of any nonhybrid midsized SUV. The X5 plug-in hybrid version is ideal for drivers whose daily trips are near its electric-only range.”
Small Pickups – Ford Maverick
Consumer Reports score: 79 (Maverick), 76 (Maverick Hybrid)
Comments: “The Maverick is a great choice if you want a weekday commuter and a weekend plaything. It continues to stand out for its low entry price, relatively roomy cabin and smooth ride—and for being available with a hybrid powertrain. This year, AWD configurations are available for each engine, and there are special trims, such as the street performance Lobo and off-road-ready Tremor.”
Learn more about the Maverick.
Full-Size Pickups – Ford F-150
Consumer Reports score: 72 (F-150 Hybrid), 66 (F-150)
Comments: “This year, the Ford F-150’s improved reliability earned it a spot on our list. It also stands out for its strong powertrains, roomy cabin and simple controls. The base 325-hp, 2.7-litre turbo V6 is a gem, with loads of low-end power and a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. A traditional V8 is also still available, but a more potent option is the 430-hp, 3.5-litre turbo V6 hybrid. It boasts an impressive 570 lb-ft of torque, making it a strong choice for towing.”
Electric Vehicles – Tesla Model Y
Consumer Reports score: 87
Comments: “The Model Y combines a practical yet sleek hatchback design, long driving range, sports-car-level performance and access to the widespread Tesla Supercharger network. Refreshed for 2026, the latest Model Y gained numerous updates. It has a more compliant ride, acoustic glass for a quieter cabin, upgraded interiors and an available 8-inch touchscreen for rear passengers. Most significantly, its reliability continues to improve, making it more enticing than ever.”
